Our Counsellors

Sheryl Smith

Accord Service Manager and Counsellor

BSocSci (Psych). GDipEdSt. PGDipCouns.
Member Registered with NZAC

Sheryl has worked in a range of services providing Counselling and Therapy since 1991. As well as managing the Accord service, Sheryl provides therapy for individuals, couples and families.

“Clients present many issues. There are themes such as stress, depression, anxiety, loss and life transitions that are difficult to deal with. Events in people’s lives can be similar, however each person has unique experience.”

Sheryl can talk with you on the phone or in person to discuss your particular needs and make an appointment with a counsellor.

“People who come to us have often tried a number of ways to manage and have got stuck. When you are ready, Accord Counsellors are here to help.”

Contact Sheryl

Mandy Pentecost

Counsellor

MCouns. MA DipTch.
Member Registered with NZAC

Mandy works with groups, individuals and in organisations with issues such as stress and conflict management, communication, assertiveness, self-esteem, harassment and bullying.

“I enjoy working with families, adults and young people who want to make changes and improve their well being. I offer a calm place to talk openly.”

Mandy is a narrative therapist which means she can help you separate a problem when you get stuck. She is an experienced and well qualified counsellor.

Cherilea Stalker

Counsellor and Therapist 
PNAP Facilitator, Group Therapy

Dip.Psychotherapy Dip. Integrative Psychology (Hakomi)
Provisional Member Registered with NZAC

Cherilea have over 30 years’ experience in counselling around issues such as parenting, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and relationship issues.

“I acknowledge the need for safe practice relating to client’s ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, spiritual and cultural beliefs”. Cherilea will incorporate mind, body, spirit, emotions and whānau, when working alongside others.

Linda Elliott-Ghadami

Registered Psychologist NZPsS

MNZPsS

Linda is a Registered Psychologist, who works with adults and adolescents experiencing mental health difficulties including; depression, anxiety, grief, work and family issues.

Linda is an approved provider of services for ACC sensitive claims.

“I enjoy working with people who want to make positive changes in their lives. Having lived overseas for a number of years I also have a particular interest in cross-cultural issues.”

Joseph Stone

Registered Psychologist NZPsS

MNZPsS

Joe is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in therapeutic assessment and counselling with children and families. His expertise includes developmental and functional assessment and treatment of trauma in children and families. Joe works with people who have a family member dealing with addictions and adults in post addiction maintenance of wellbeing.

“Holistic and strengths-based approaches have been the focus of my clinical practice.”

Patricia Schimanski Clark

Counsellor

BASS (Psychotherapy)  Dip. Integrative Psychology (Hakomi)
Provisional Member Registered with NZAC

Patricia offers Hakomi as a way of looking at the world that is compassionate, mindful, curious, non-invasive, humorous and respectful.

Patricia’s experience as a counsellor includes working alongside children and adults with various issues.  Clients that are struggling through grief and change, depression, challenging relationships, abuse and other problems that can be overwhelming for a young or adult person and their family connect well with her.

“Sometimes we need someone who isn’t involved in our lives to listen and help us understand some pretty tough experiences.  I think it’s important to feel comfortable and safe with a counsellor.  I work within an organisation that values professionalism and honours the unique position of every client.”

Kurt Fenton

Counsellor

BA  MDiv.  BCouns.
Provisional Member Registered with NZAC

Kurt enjoys journeying with all people and has a particular interest in therapy for adolescents and men. Thought processes, anxiety, parenting, decision-making, relationships, communication, grief, spirituality and depression are some of the issues Kurt works with. He also enjoys helping couples in their relationships. His experience in pastoral care has provided a broad context for working with people and their concerns.

“I believe that each person carries within them the answers to the problems they face and employs techniques that help uncover and encourage use of personal strengths in dealing with those problems.”